Free Legal Name Change Guide & Checklist, Florida

How do I legally change names in Florida?

With a bit of reading and planning, it may be simple enough to manage your own legal name change in Florida. Legal name change falls under the Florida Supreme Court, however by local rule approved by the Supreme Court, County family courts hear name change applications. A legal name change in Florida can be costly, typically costing around $500.

There are two parts to legal name change. First, petition the court and receive a certified copy of your name change order. Next, notify all the organizations where you hold ID, a record or account that needs to be updated

How can Easy Name Change help?

We are a name change notification service. Once you have successfully petitioned the court and have your name change order, we help you get your records updated. This includes SSA, driver’s license, vehicle title, voter registration, passport, insurance, bank, credit card, loyalty club and many more. No research, no guesswork.

The Florida Legal Name Change Process

1. Complete a ‘Petition for Change of Name’ (Minors, Adult or Family). Some county courts require you to purchase a name change informational packet for a nominal fee. These packets contain the forms (the ‘petition’) and detailed instructions on how to complete.
2. Get fingerprinted by an authorized fingerprinting service provider. Your sheriff’s office often does this for a small fee. Private agencies can be more expensive. Fingerprinting is not necessary if you are reverting to a prior name or for dissolution of marriage.
3. File the completed petition with the clerk of court and pay the filing fee of $401 (subject to change without notice). Submit your fingerprints at the time of filling.
4. Once your application has been accepted and your filing fee paid, the clerk will set your hearing date. Hearing dates vary greatly between counties. This may be done within days or weeks, or even 6 months away.
5. Your fingerprints will be used for a criminal history background check which will take place after filing, but before the hearing.
6. It is recommended you attend the hearing so you can respond to any questions. In most cases the final court order authorizing the change is issued on the same day.
7. Ask for at least 2-3 certified copies of your name change order so you can change your records with various organizations without waiting for your only certificate to be returned.

How much does it cost?

The total cost to change names can be anywhere from $401 to over $600. It just depends on your situation. For example, a divorcee without a passport may pay only $425 as they do not need to pay for fingerprinting, background checks or a new passport. Here’s the full breakdown;

• Your county courthouse may require you to purchase a name change packet before filing your petition, which may be between $5 and $50
• By state legislature, the filing fee for a legal name change is $401. This fee is applicable regardless of how minor or significant the name change is.
• Fingerprinting, if required, may be between $10 and $45
• The criminal history background check is about $45
• If approved, a court order authorizing the name change is often included in the filing fee. Otherwise you may need to pay a nominal cost for each certified copy of the order.
• The Florida DMV charges $25 for a new driver’s license
• If you have a passport, expect to pay over $100 for a new passport book (this is waived if your passport is less than 12 months old). 
• Most other organizations do not charge to have your name updated, unless a new credential needs to be issued (ie: diploma or ID card).

* All fees correct at the time of writing, but are subject to change without notice.

Do I need an attorney or professional advice?

We can’t provide an answer to this question as your situation is unique. It is possible however to apply to the relevant court in your county for a legal name change without any assistance, but you should have a good understanding of legal processes. Many counties require you to download their application form or purchase a packet that contains the application forms and instructions on how to prepare and file. Courts have a self-help center where you can be guided though how to complete the process.

Getting your records updated

Your name should be updated immediately after receiving a court order granting the name change. If you hold a driver’s license or photo ID card you must inform the SSA and Florida DMV within 10 days of the change.

There are a number of forms to complete and file. Many companies also need you to send in a letter, fax, email or visit a branch.  Get ready to send name change notification forms, paperwork and fully researched procedures for hundreds of organizations in under 20 minutes. Browse our detailed database and select where to change names, then just sign and send. Our notification kits start from $19.95, so it will be the most affordable part of your name change. 

Changing a child's name

If you legally change names and have children, their name will be unaffected. If you want to change your child’s name at the same time as your own you can lodge a petition to change a child’s name at the same time and the cases may be heard together. Parents or legal guardians can lodge a child’s name change at any time. Easy Name Change is a notification service, so we don’t prepare legal name change paperwork or request court orders.  As children have fewer organizations to notify of their new name our kits are not suitable for children. Contact the court for more information about changing your child's name.

More information

Easy Name Change is a notification service. If you’re legally changing names we recommend getting a court order name change approved first, then just add it to our notifications and send. If you don’t yet have a legal name change order and have further questions, please use the resources below for further information. As we are not qualified legal professionals, we are unable to provide any further advice beyond what appears on this page.

• Information on how long you could expect you application to take and cost.
• Florida legal name change application forms. (family, individual, minors)
• County courts have self-help centers that assist in booking hearings and answering common questions. Find your local county Family Law Self-Help Center.
• Your petition needs to be filed with the family court.
• Understand more about the Florida courts system or to browse for relevant information and forms here.
• If you plan on representing yourself, you should read General Information for Self-Represented Litigants. As there is no respondent in the court proceedings, not all the information is relevant for name change but the document still provides some excellent information.
• If you have successfully petitioned the court for a legal name change and were born in Florida, request a certified copy of your birth certificate in the same way you order a regular birth certificate.